Boris Johnson paid tribute to Dame Deborah James, who died of cancer at the age of 40.
The broadcaster was diagnosed with stage four bowel Cancer in December 2016 while she was still in her mid-30s.
Her honest insight into dealing with the disease on the You Me and the Big C podcast has been credited with raising awareness of the disease.
The mother-of-two has raised more than £ 6 million for Cancer Research UK in the last years of her life.
Her efforts were recognized last month with a Damehood, an honor that Prince William personally paid tribute to during a visit to her home.
When she was made a Lady, Mr. Johnson said, “If ever an honor was richly deserved, it is this.”
News of her death was confirmed by her family through a statement on her Instagram page.
The prime minister wrote on Twitter: ‘I am terribly saddened to hear that Dame Deborah James has died. What an inspiration she was to so many.
‘The awareness she has brought for bowel cancer and the research that has funded her campaign will be her lasting legacy.
“Because of her, many, many lives will be saved.”
Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer said the news of her death was “deeply saddening”.
He added: ‘Dame Deborah James’ charity work was truly inspiring – even in the most challenging moments, she continued to raise awareness about bowel cancer and affect so many people’s lives.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time.”
Genevieve Edwards, CEO of Bowel Cancer UK, where Dame Deborah James was a patron, said: ‘She has changed her diagnosis of bowel cancer into an incredible force for good and through her tireless campaign to raise awareness of bowel cancer symptoms , she would have saved many. lives.
Deborah brought warmth, energy and honesty to everything she did. Even during her most difficult times with bowel cancer, she never stopped helping others.
“We are truly grateful to know Deborah and to call her our friend. She was a powerful patron of Intestinal Cancer UK, leaving a wonderful legacy through her BowelBabeFond, a testament to the love and admiration that so many have had for her. ‘
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